My First Bull Ride!

Well, I can check another item off my bucket list. Last night I rode the mechanical bull at Ranchmans. While I was terrified to do it, I figured it couldn't be that bad if several plus-sized women had each lasted a decent amount of time before getting bucked off. (Aaron may have said something like, "That's as close as she is to gettin' laid tonight.")It also helped that Stacey had done it before and wanted to do it again. Clearly this would be fun.

So I paid the ten dollar fee for my three rides, signed my life away, and got in queue. Stacey went before I did. We were lucky in that one of her friends, who just happened to be present, used to work at Ranchman's and was able to provide us with a lot of tips. Tip number one was to practially sit on our hands. Tip number two to make sure to lean back as the bull lifts up. Tip number three came from the bull operator, himself. "You're going to want to move back and forth with your hips, like you're having sex."

Though I thought it odd and even a little creepy that he'd said it, nor did he offer the same advice to Stacey, it was the most helpful tip I received. I don't think I would have made it without it.

Attempt # 1 - I kept repeating the tips over and over in my head, like a mantra, while I waited for the bull to begin. When it finally started moving, I realized I shouldn't have waited so long to do this. I had downed several beers by now. It felt very possible that I could get sick up there, with everyone watching from outside the padded ring, some capturing the moment with their camera phones.

When I finally felt like I had a good feel for how to do ride that thing, I got bucked off. I don't know how I landed. Like I said, I had downed several beers.

Attempt # 2 - I recall my second attempt to have gone on for longer than the first.

Attempt # 3 - I was tired by this point and I got bucked off after only a few back and forth motions.

I'm not sure if this is actually the order in which these events occurred, and there are definitely a lot of details missing - particularly about landing, which would actually be quite funny details to this story - because, unlike what it says in the waiver I signed, I was, in fact, intoxicated at the time.

The reason we were at Ranchman's was Stacey's farewell party. Best of luck in the centre of the universe, Stacey. I will miss you.

P.S. Sorry the photo is blurry. I had left my phone in the car so we had to use Aaron's analogue phone. ;)

Easter is the New Valentine's Day!

Jami and Jordan laughed at me last night when I excitedly announced, "The Easter Bunny is coming tonight!" But he really did. I woke up to Easter treats hidden all over the house. (Okay, fine. More like all over the living room because in past years it has taken me FOREVER to find everything, when spread across multiple rooms.) I was spoiled with Purdy's bunny chocolates. Mmmmm...

After eating a breakfast consisting of nothing but chocolate - and lots of it - I was treated to my "bell service" day. This is one of our newest traditions. It began only last week on Aaron's birthday. He had a bell he rang on his birthday and I would do whatever he asked. His day of bell service managed to last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So I chose today, Easter Sunday, as my day of reciprocation. Among several requests for hugs and kisses, I also requested a bike ride.

The weather was spectacular today! 14th Street - 64th Ave - Path next to Deerfoot - Nose Creek Park - Beddington Trail - Berkshire Blvd - 14th Street - Couch. I followed the ride with quite possibly the best grilled cheese sandwich ever and a nap. I was certainly spoiled today. I love the Easter Bunny! Easter is the new Valentine's Day!

My Advice

I am a mentor in the University of Calgary's Emerging Leadership Program. Among other things, the program pairs university students with faculty and staff members to provide them with guidance as they navigate through their first year on campus.

Today I had my final meeting with my "prodige". (I know - It sounds pompous, right?  What else should I call him? Mentee?) Now, I know what you're thinking. How can someone who hasn't yet, herself, gone through the entire process and actually obtained a degree offer advice to a university student? Is she even qualified to be giving advice to a student, technically a first-year student herself?

This got me thinking about the insights that I can offer, outside of university, in the real world. I have been employed full-time (in various industries,) for almost eight years now. From all the jobs I have had - whether full-time or part-time, manager or assistant, retail or alumni relations - I would give two pieces of advice.

First, don't ever be afraid to ask questions. There's no use wasting time on something you're never going to be able to understand on your own. Asking questions is how we learn and the quickest way to get a task done efficiently.

Second, don't ever be afraid to admit you made a mistake. We all screw up. What's that cliche? "To err is human, to forgive divine?"

I maaaay have recently made a mistake at work and fessed up immediately, resulting in a speedy resolution to the problem. I also may have accidentally given away a Palm Pilot when I worked at a certain office supply superstore and gained much respect for my overwhelming honesty.

Respect and honesty...